Choosing the right investment platform is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an investor. With dozens of UK brokers competing for your business, it's crucial to understand what makes a good platform and which factors matter most for your investing goals.

What Makes a Great Investment Platform?

A quality broker should offer competitive fees, reliable technology, strong security measures, and excellent customer service. But beyond these basics, the "best" platform depends on your specific needs:

  • Frequent traders need low trading fees and advanced tools
  • Long-term investors should prioritize low platform charges
  • Beginners benefit from educational resources and simple interfaces

    • Key Factors to Compare

    1. Platform Charges

    Most UK brokers charge fixed monthly/annual fee or a percentage-based platform fee (typically 0.25%-0.45% annually). Some brokers, such as IG, Freetrade and Trading 212 offer a General Investment Account (GIA) and Stocks & Shares ISA (ISA) for free. Platform charges also vary depending on number and type of accounts selected e.g. whether a SIPP is selected. These can be time consuming and complicated to compare, which is exactly why we’ve built a Broker Comparison Fee tool.

    2. Trading Costs

    UK share dealing costs vary widely. IG, Trading 212 and Freetrade offer commission-free UK trades, while traditional brokers like Hargreaves Lansdown charge £11.95 per trade. If you trade frequently, these costs add up quickly.

    3. Investment Choice

    Most platforms offer UK shares, funds, and ETFs. But if you want US stocks, investment trusts, or bonds, check availability. Some platforms specialize in certain investments while others offer comprehensive access.

    4. Account Types

    Ensure your chosen platform offers the tax wrappers you need:

    • Stocks & Shares ISA: Tax-free growth and income (£20,000 annual limit)
    • SIPP: At least 20% tax relief on contributions (subject to caps)
    • General Investment Account: No tax benefits but unlimited contributions

    Top UK Brokers

    Which broker is best for you will depend on your specific circumstances and needs so we don’t have a “Best Broker” table. Use the tools on this website to compare the different features of brokers including charges, interest paid on uninvested cash and foreign exchange charges. Periodically check back to this site to make sure you are still with the right Broker as their charges and rates change regularly and check our Special Offers page as Brokers offer generous incentives to switch. Although we do not publish a best broker list below are a few brokers who consistently score strongly in particular areas.

    Great for Beginners: Interactive Investor

    Simple app interface, flat monthly fees and excellent customer support make Interactive Investor ideal for new investors.

    Low Foreign Exchange Rates: Interactive Brokers and Trading 212

    If you tend to invest in US Stocks then Interactive Brokers and Trading 212 offer market leading foreign exchange rates

    Active Traders: Trading 212

    IG, Freetrade and Trading 212 offer commission-free trading on UK shares with no platform charges.

    How to Make Your Decision

    Use our broker comparison tool to calculate your exact costs based on your portfolio size and trading frequency. The cheapest platform for a £10,000 ISA might be expensive for a £100,000 SIPP.

    Consider these steps:

    1. Calculate your likely annual costs at 3-4 different platforms
    2. Check they offer the investments and account types you need
    3. Read reviews about customer service and platform reliability
    4. Look for special offers - many brokers offer cashback or free trades for new customers

    Don't Forget Special Offers

    Before opening any account, check our special offers page. Brokers regularly run promotions offering cashback, free trades, or bonus shares worth £100-£200. These can offset your first year's fees entirely.

    Final Thoughts

    There's no single "best" broker for everyone. What matters is finding the platform that offers the right combination of low costs, suitable investments, and features for your specific situation. Take time to compare properly - the savings over decades of investing can be substantial.

    "The difference between a cheap and expensive platform can cost you thousands of pounds over a lifetime of investing. It's worth spending an hour to compare properly."